Abstract This paper examines the work of poet, Langston Hughes. The author emphasizes this poet's contribution to the world of poetry and literature and looks at how his writings impacted black society and helped voice the concerns of the American black community.
From the Paper "Langston Hughes has been called the Poet Laureate of the African American people. He was a prolific writer rising to a fame achieved by few other poets. He wrote expressive essays, poetry, short stories, and novels. Through his writing Langston voiced the needs and concerns of the black people that otherwise would have gone unheard. Langston was also involved in the Harlem renaissance through his inspirational writing inspired itself by the people of Harlem. Langston served as an inspiration for writers, composers, playwrights and all others in Harlem. "With his rich poetic voice, nurturing generosity, warm humor, and abiding love of black people, Langston Hughes was one of the dominant voices in American literature of this century and perhaps the single most influential black poet. (Heath, 1-2)"
Abstract This paper explores how legal inequality and the wholesale annihilation of African-American rights has gone underground, but hasn't disappeared. The author claims that it has changed from being institutionalized in law to being surreptitiously enforced in a thousand societal ways, but is still present.
From the Paper It was not new when the founding fathers of America met together to create our constitution, nor when they first set their signatures to the Declaration of Independence. America was not the first nation to keep a race of enslaved people, nor the first nation to think itself enslaved and rise against its masters. Slavery have been a part of human life through-out time, and many of the ancestors of even the whitest line have been slaves. Rome took slaves by the thousands from the nations of Europe. Greece had slave markets."
Abstract This paper explores the extraordinary talent and popularity of golfer Tiger Woods. The paper provides a biography of Woods and his father's guidance throughout his entire life. It discusses other great African-American sports stars who broke ground with the "country club" sports, like tennis player Arthur Ash. The paper describes how great talent can break cultural boundaries like no other political vehicle.
From the Paper "Golf has long been a maligned sport in American popular culture, most famously by Mark Twain as a nice long walk spoiled by a small white ball. Although it is a popular game in terms of people who participate in it, it is hardly what one might call a "cool" game like basketball. Basketball is a sport whose cache and celebrities may be considered to have kept the brand of Nike alive and well for decades.
Nor is golf a venerated game like baseball (as witnessed in the success of such spiritually conscientious films as "Field of Dreams" and ?The Natural,? in contrast to ?Caddyshack.?) Golf is not a culturally significant sport as football has been in the American psyche, with the focus the Super Bowl has had as a national event and pastime. Golf has not been the center of controversy for the violence or the practices of golfers in the national media. Golf has long been thought of as the game of the "leisure village" set, or overfed and overpaid white, male executives. On a symbolic level, nothing could be less cool or more reactionary than golf, so the thinking went.
That is, until Tiger Woods came upon the scene. Tiger Woods has given the game of gold a "coolness" that was lacking. "Until the last few years with Tiger Woods on the PGA Tour spiking ratings, the ratings haven"t been relevant to golf,? commissioner Tim Finchem said last week in defending declining ratings on the Senior Tour. Now, Woods often helps golf draw a larger TV audience than the NBA. (Ferguson MSNBC.Com) "
Abstract This paper describes the daily lives and culture of the black American Muslim and Nation of Islam communities. The paper defines these groups and their customs and religious rituals. It illustrates the historical leaders of the black Muslim movements, including in depth biographies of Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan. The paper discusses the missionary and racist elements in these movements.
From the Paper "Religion is important to many Americans not simply because they believe that their faith will bring them to a better world in the afterlife or because it will guide their actions as a moral and good individual here on earth but also because it provides them with a sense of self-identity. Religion tells people who they are, how they are different from other people, to which community they belong. This may be especially true for black Muslims. This paper examines the black Muslim and Nation of Islam movements within the larger context of religious life in contemporary America and the context of the daily lives of black Americans as we enter the 21st century.
It may be helpful for us toe begin with some basic definitions. Black Muslims are simply those followers of a predominantly black religious movement in the United States who profess Islam as their faith. Not all of the followers of this movement are in fact black, although nearly all of them are black or have a black member of their family (such as a spouse or child) who is involved. The movement encompasses not only spiritual and liturgical aspects of life but political and wide-ranging cultural as well, including an emphasis on economic cooperation and self-sufficiency for black communities and individuals. "
Tags: black, muslim, nation, islam, regilion, contemporary, america, identity, 21st, century, united, states, spiritual, political, cultural, farrakhan, malcom, x
Abstract The paper muddles on the evolution of the African American struggle coupled with civil right movements formulated- specifically the Black Panther Party- and focuses on the question of what the organization is, where it originated and spread, and why it was so popular.
From the Paper Amid the turbulent struggle for equal rights for the black community in America numerous organizations and arenas emerged as potential facilitators of that laudable goal. The struggle was long and arduous, and various approaches arose as potential modalities to pursue the end most effectively. The Black Panther Party, which was established in 1966, was one such tactical approach. In its brief sojourn on the American scene, it attracted mega attention and an almost mythical status and reputation. Actions to cope with the potential repercussions of the Black Panther Party were numerous, and often violated associated constitutional norms within the American psyche for fairness and legal protection. Nevertheless to some powers that be on at that time, no more dangerous cadre of proponents of black rights existed then the Black Panther Party (Summers, 1993, 21). To those who opposed the methods, philosophy, and personas of the Black Panther Party, the need to crush the organization and nullify their influence within the societal complex of the United States was considered a crusade for the survival of this country itself. To truly analyze and come to terms with the importance and problematic issue of the Black Panther Party, it is necessary to review in some depth the overall complex involved in the struggle for black liberation in this country. The Black Panther Party occupies a decided niche in this puzzle, but it did not exist in a vacuum. It is a clear product and reaction to what preceded it.
Abstract The essay discusses the history of the Ku Klux Klan through the three separate movements established since its inception -- the first during the reconstruction era, the second during the 1920's, and the third during the 1940's. The essay then goes on to present recent newspaper headlines about the KKK, including the "newspaper night riding" in Texas and California, the rally in Jasper, Texas, and the sentencing of KKK member James Colvin. The essay concludes with the hope that the KKK will continue to be brought down by the law.
From the Paper "Colonel William Joseph Simmons, the son of one of the officers of the original order, initialized the second movement of the KKK. He pictured his organization as the ultimate fraternal lodge. His task was made easier by the 1915 release of a film by D. W. Griffith called The Birth of a Nation. The film portrayed the original Reconstruction era KKK as valiant protectors of the South's culture. Simmons placed advertisements for his organization next to those for the movie and solicited new members by proclaiming the Klan a "high class order for men of intelligence and character" (McVeigh). At the strongest point of this phase of the KKK, during the early 1920's, membership in the organization reached over three million nationwide (Trelease PG). The main factor keeping the movement strong was fear of the ever-changing social order in America. Large numbers of immigrants were entering the country, communism and other radical movements were stirring, and blacks were moving into northern cities in vast numbers. Jews and Catholics were moving to a higher place in the social and economic order, and labor unions were demanding a bigger share of profits for their members."
Abstract This work traces the origins of slavery and racism in the modern era, and analyzes the debate over which phenomenon gave rise to the other. The paper also explores the unique aspects of African-American enslavement in colonial U.S. and its connection with the modern state of race relations in America. The paper also proposes a unique hypothesis that connects the rise of slavery in Europe and America to Europe's underlying fear of the rising cultures of the East. The essay also contains critiques and descriptions of the scholarship of Dr. Eric Williams, Winthrop Jordan, and others.
From the Paper "This essay concerns the work of West Indian historian and former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Eric Williams, who proffered the rationale in Capitalism and Slavery, that the philosophical origins of the Atlantic Slave Trade in the Americas was based upon economics, not racism. My purpose of addressing Dr. Williams theory is not to argue that slavery was, above all else, a major economic enterprise. Rather, I am interested in examining the origins of African slavery in Europe in the modern era and the overall European mindset of the early 15th Century, including their attitudes and preconceptions regarding the African continent. While not disputing the hypothesis evident in the title of Dr. William's essay ?Economics, Not Racism, as the Root of Slavery,? I contend that economics alone was not the sole impetus behind the tragic phenomenon of African slavery, and that the occurrence of racism was simultaneous. Furthermore, I am seeking to examine Dr. William's theory in the context of the African-American experience amid early U.S. history. That is, I intend to describe the distinctive nature of slavery in the colonial U.S., being developed under the English's specious pretext of black inferiority. My overall supposition is that the genesis of racist attitudes coincided with the initial Portuguese contact with inhabitants of Old Guinea in 1441, becoming especially prevalent among the English through their early experiences with black Africans. Because these attitudes were formed prior to any English involvement in the trade of African slaves, this position stands at odds with Dr. William's theory that racism was invented for the purpose of justifying the continuation of slavery."
Abstract This paper endeavours to explore the impact of the slave trade on West Africa. It examines how the historical injustices of the slave trade have undeniably affected West Africa detrimentally in the political, economic and social arenas. It details the recent discussions by leaders of nations historically involved in the slave trade as they determine what reparations can be made to the victims of this inhumane practice. It gives an historical overview of the slave trade in general and specifically in West Africa.
From the Paper "Before embarking on the political, economic and social fallout of the slave trade on West Africa, it is important to give a brief description of this blight in history. From the middle of the 15th century, the Portuguese initiated the slave trade. They were followed by the Spaniards and at a lengthier period (1562) by the British. Then in rapid succession by the Dutch (approximately 1620), the French (approximately 1640), the Swedes, Danes and Prussians, before culminating in its most awful activities in the 18th century (Morel, E.D., 1920, 4). Foreigners conducted wholly unprovoked attacks on African villages and kidnapped the young people who were strong enough to work their sugar and coffee plantations as well as for domestic servitude in their homes. The export of Africans to the New World furnished the workforce for the colonial plantations and mines whose yield (gold, silver and, most importantly, sugar, cocoa, cotton, tobacco and coffee) were the principal components of global commerce (M?Bokolo, E., 1998, 2). The horror of the Africans being torn from their homes and their families is matched only by the horror of the number of Africans who perished in the course of transportation on the slave ships
??. the slaves could not turn around, were wedged immovably, in fact, and chained to the deck by the neck and legs?.not infrequently would go mad before dying of suffocation?.in their frenzy some killed others in the hopes of procuring more room to breathe?.men strangled those next to them, and women drove nails into each others? brains.? (Morel, E.D., 1920, 4)."
Tags: slave, trade, West, Africa, Black, political, social, history
Abstract The writer examines the essay titled "Hate Radio" in which Williams expresses her alarm about the absolute freedom of expression allowed on the radio which in turn has become almost hate talk and open racism.
From the Paper "In her essay "Hate Radio," Patricia J. Williams comments on the growing trend of "anything goes" talk radio, led by radio personalities who seem determined to anger as many people as possible, and who cater to an audience of people empowered to say almost anything, no matter how prejudiced or ill-informed about other groups of people."
Abstract In this essay,the writer examines the following movies: "Roots", "Glory" and "Amistad". The paper provides a succinct plot summary of each movie and then briefly discusses the similarities and differences in each movie. The impact of these movies on larger American society is also discussed. The writer then attempts to describe his personal, potential reactions to the situations that occur in each movie. The paper then discusses Hollywood's treatment of serious issues such as slavery and violence and discusses how Hollywood's actions influence both children and adults.
From the Paper "Roots, is an epic, made-for-television mini series that chronicles generations of black Americans in slavery. First on the air in 1977, Roots traced the history of one family from their African origin, through slavery, and finally to emancipation.
"Glory is a war movie about the first all-black company (the 54th regiment) to fight in the United States Civil War. The company, and their white leader confront the prejudices of the Confederates and the Union army. The movie climaxes showing the fighting at Fort Wagner, where the regiment proves there was nothing inferior about a black regiment.
"Amistad, directed by Stephen Spielberg, chronicles the 1839 mutiny on the slave ship Amistad, where slaves were held under barbaric and inhumane conditions. The movie follows the subsequent trial in America."
Abstract This paper presents an examination of this regiment which was unique in is composition as well as its setup. The writer shows how the army's attitude in the beginning was negative, many believing that the freed slaves did not have military discipline. It describes the various battles that the regiment participated in and finally looks at the conditions of the soldiers - who were paid less, given fewer privileges etc.
From the Paper "The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts was organized in March, 1863 at Camp Meigs, Readville, Massachusetts, by Robert Shaw a 26 year old from Boston. This regiment was composed primarily of free blacks that volunteered from throughout the North, particularly Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Col. Shaw was a young white officer from a prominent Boston family. He came from a family of strong abolitionists. His father had founded the National Freedman's Relief Association. Before entering the army 2 years before Shaw was studying in the best school in Europe, but he was not the best of students and did not practically like school and did not want to continue his education there for he joined the army. Two years later he was asked to head the first black regiment in the Union, he turned down his first invitation in 1863 by Massachusetts governor John A. Andrew, to head the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, but then when asked again he accept and began recruiting men for his new regiment and the first official regiment of black soldiers in the Union Army."
Tags: 54th, blacks, civil, confederates, mass, war, american, army
Abstract This paper focuses on the different economic levels which were clear between the North and the South in the years before the Civil War. The writer examines the financial advantages which came with the use of slaves but how this hamper industrialization and economic growth which was rampant in the North.
From the Paper "As Americans we want to believe that our country was conceived in liberty, however, reality is that from almost the beginning America was greatly dependent on forced labor. By the early eighteenth century slavery was legal throughout America and was the primary source of labor in the South. Many of our nation's founding fathers were slaveholders. Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence, and Patrick Henry, who is famous for saying, ?Give me liberty or give me death!? were slave owners. Slavery was such a vital force eight of our first twelve presidents even owned slaves. "
This paper addresses the complex and important issues of stratification and inequity that are presented throughout Malcolm's "The Autobiography of Malcolm X."
Abstract This paper gives a brief but succinct summary of the major events of Malcolm's life, as outlined in his autobiography. It then delves into the reasons underlying the racism and inequality of the United States in Malcolm's time. A brief history of slavery and the African-American experience explains the social conditions for African-Americans in the mid-1900s, in America. The paper also examines the reasons for Malcolm's behavior in the social context of the 1940s to the 1960s in the United States. It describes if Malcolm's conditions and treatment are similar to those experienced by other African-Americans, in the United States, during the same time frame. It provides a thorough sociological analysis of Malcolm's behavior, in terms of the social conditions he was exposed to. Further, it describes Malcolm's behavior in terms of the sociological concepts of both deterrence theory and labelling theory. The paper finally describes the presence of social conditions, in current United States society, that mirror those seen in the 1940s and the 1960s in the United States. It compares these social conditions to the social conditions that were seen in Malcolm's "Autobiography of Malcolm X".
From the Paper "Malcolm X was one on the most controversial leaders in American history. His outspokenness about the plight of the African American people, and his close ties with the black Black Muslim movement made Malcolm X a highly feared black leader. He was known for inflammatory speeches, and his strong belief in the Black Muslim sect. Malcolm X sought out publicity, and was well known for his views on vengeance and retribution for the African American people.
"Malcolm X was born on May 19th, 1925, in Omaha Nebraska. Born Malcolm Little, his father was a Baptist minister, and a strong supporter of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, run by Marcus Garvey. This organization encouraged African Americans to run their own businesses, and discouraged dependence on the culture and economy of white America.'"
Abstract This paper shows how the author's mind both reflects the cultural preconceptions of his day regarding race and attempts to challenge these preconceptions. In Melville's writings about a slave rebellion - a fictional dramatization of the Amistad mutiny, the way in which the author perceives race and the issues of slavery are examined.
From the Paper "The way in which Melville's tale unfolds at first seems like an example of realistic storytelling. It unfolds in a highly detailed, matter-of-fact fashion through a third person limited narration, then switches to a first person deposition. This initial technique of third-person narration is initially used create a sense of authorial and factual objectivity. However, quite early in the story, the idea that this omniscient narrator is still limited by notions of race becomes clear. ?Negresses, of whom there were not a few, exceeded the others in their dolorous vehemence,? observes the narrator. The reference to "Negresses" suggests women defined primarily by their race, and confirms the common cultural preconception of black women as vehement in a fashion that neither white women nor white men are."
Abstract The life and times of Angelou are described in her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." It describes her very difficult childhood and youth where she was abused physically and mentally, lived as a homeless person and was a teenage mother. It also describes how she finally found her niche and became a successful writer and poet for black civil rights causes.
From the Paper "In her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, she chronicles her early life, a life full of events that would have broken many people. After her parents divorced, she was sent away from her home in California, at the age of three, with only her four-year-old brother for companionship. They had to travel by themselves to Stamps, Arkansas, to live with their grandmother. She was variously shipped off to her mother (in two separate locations), her father and other relatives. One of her mother's friends repeatedly molested and then raped her by the age of eight, in an attack severe enough to put her in the hospital. After he was tried and found guilty but given a very light sentence, he was found brutally beaten to death. This caused Maya to remain largely mute for some years after."
